Today we are offering Kaiserin Auguste Viktoria’s ringkragen (gorget) as Regimental Chef of Küraßier-Regiment Königin (Pommersches) Nr 2. Kaiserin Auguste Viktoria (1858-1921) was Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany’s wife. She was born in Schleswig-Holstein. She married Kronprinz Wilhelm (later Kaiser Wilhelm II) in 1881. She bore him an heir in 1882, who was also to be a Kronprinz Wilhelm. This lad never achieved Germany’s throne, since the monarchy fell in 1918. He instead became a “Pretender,” when his father died in 1941. Auguste Viktoria gave the Kaiser a total of six sons and one daughter. She worshiped her husband and he adored her. They were very close. When Wilhelm II abdicated his throne in 1918, she joined him in exile to the Netherlands at Haus Doorn (Huis Doorn). This is where she died in 1921. Her body was returned to Germany, where it was buried at Berlin’s Neues Palais (New Palace). The Kaiser was not afforded the same privilege. When he died in 1941, he was buried at Haus Doorn, where he remains today in a special crypt on the grounds of the estate not far from where many of his beloved Dachshunds are also buried.
It was customary in Imperial Germany for certain elite regiments to be honored with a royal patron who assumed the position of its honorary oberst and Regimental Chef. The Kaiserin was the Regimental Chef of Küraßier-Regiment Königin (Pommersches) Nr 2. The regiment was founded in 1717. It was garrisoned at Pasewalk, where it was attached to the II. ArmeeKorps. This very special regiment was considered one of the leading Küraßier-Regiments. The regiment played a major role in the Battle of Hohenfriedberg, which took place on 4 June 1745. The Prussian Army was led by Frederick II himself. It faced a combined force of Austrians and Saxons in a decisive battle for Silesia (in today’s Poland). As a result of the battle, Frederick II was acknowledged as “Frederick the Great.” Also, Küraßier-Regiment Königin (Pommersches) Nr 2 was granted the right to wear a bandeau on their headdress proclaiming “Hohenfriedberg 4 Juni 1745.” This was quite an honor. Küraßier-Regiment Königin (Pommersches) Nr 2 was the Prussian Army’s only cavalry or infantry regiment to be so honored. Most headdresses that carry bandeaux come from the former Kingdom of Hannover and the Duchy of Braunschweig. Not only did Kaiserin Auguste Viktoria serve as Küraßier-Regiment Königin (Pommersches) Nr 2’s Regimental Chef, but her son, Kronprinz Wilhelm, served in that regiment as an Oberst à la Suite. (We recently sold the Kronprinz’s personal helmet from the regiment). Having a woman as the Regimental Chef presented a number of interesting “problems,” especially for a regiment like Küraßier-Regiment Königin (Pommersches) Nr 2. When a Regimental Chef rode with “his” regiment, he normally assumed the regiment’s complete uniform, including the tunic, trousers, headdress, etc. Since it was a Küraßier-Regiment, Küraßier-Regiment Königin (Pommersches) Nr 2 members naturally wore küraßes for parades. [With Küraßier-Regiment Königin (Pommersches) Nr 2, this was a gilt küraß similar to the Regiment der Garde du Corps, “the Kaiser’s Own.” Kaiser Wilhelm II was the Regiment der Garde du Corps’ Regimental Chef].
Anatomically, it was awkward for a woman to wear a küraß (breast plate). This problem was sidestepped by allowing the Kaiserin to wear only the regiment’s ringkragen. The Kaiserin also wore a tricorn hat with feathers rather than a spiked helmet when she rode with her regiment–as seen in an image of her from a painting where she is actually wearing the gorget that we offer today. Along with the küraß the regiment’s officers wore a ringkragen, a shield-like plate suspended from a chain. It was an important accessory of an officer’s dress uniform. They are quite rare. In Germany, an example from this regiment easily fetches $12,000+ when in fine condition. It is a simply amazing piece. Without a doubt, it is one of the most interesting German royalty items we have ever offered.
The ringkragen, as previously mentioned, is shaped like a shield. It measures 5 1/2″ x 5″ at its widest point. Its edge is trimmed in brass. It has a mirror-like surface of polished, silver-toned metal. In the center is a beautifully hand painted, black and gold Hohenzollern Eagle on a red background. Two to three very small stress fractures appear. I cannot tell if this is in the enamel, or if it is a glass covering that has the cracks. [I will try to highlight them as best as I can in the accompanying photographs. They are NOT detractive to the overall presentation]. The Eagle is framed with green enamel leaves on the sides. Coming from the right and left sides are what appear to be furled flags. The flags are made of silver. The tips of the banners are gold-toned. Beneath this are four crossed cannons and the date “1745.” It is just stunning. The detail is breathtaking.
The gorget’s reverse is sumptuously lined in a luxuriant, superior-quality, purple velvet. Naturally, the color indicates the wearer is a member of royalty. [No regular officer from the regiment would have his gorget lined with the same material! Instead, officer’s gorgets were lined with carmine (red) material that is vastly different from this color]. Four brass nuts with washers secure the gorget’s front portion to the reverse. The bottom sports an upward-swept clip that allows it to be attached to a garment. Most interesting of all is a horizontal pin, which measures 2 3/4.” This pin is GOLD. [In the photographs accompanying the description you will see photos of a “normal” regimental officer’s gorget. Please note the varied differences, including the horizontal pin on the Kaiserin’s version, and the difference in the backing material].
We are also including a photograph of a period oil painting showing the Kaiserin riding with her regiment. She is wearing the ringkragen. You will now understand why the horizontal pin is present on her gorget. Since she did not wear a küraß, the ringkragen is pinned to her “tunic.” The tunic is also different from what the regiment wore, since it was for a woman (and a royal one at that). She is riding a horse sidesaddle. The tunic almost appears to be more like a blouse, but it is very similar to the regiment’s tunic in overall construction and design. The chain accompanying the gorget is also quite amazing. It measures 18 1/2″ in length. It is far different from an officer’s version, as you will note from the photographs. The chain is linked and intertwined. The connecting hardware is similar to what you might see on a high-quality neck chain. Its ends are undoubtedly GOLD. I am still unsure if the chain is GOLD or brass. The chain’s backing is made of the same high quality purple velvet as is found on the ringkragen’s back. The gorget and all of its supporting materials are made of the highest quality materials. No expense was spared.
The ensemble is in sparkling condition. It comes in a fitted box that has helped preserve its condition for more than one-hundred-years. The box measures 5 3/4″ x 5 1/4.” It is made of black leatherette. The box is structurally sound, although normal wear can be seen on it. Inside, we see a pink silk liner on the upper half, and a matching, pale-rose, flocked velvet on the lower half. Pasted on the pale rose material of the box’s lower half is “C. E. Juncker, Berlin Sw., Alte Jacobstrasse 13. Militair-Effecten-Fabrik.” Many people think that C. E. Juncker produced only flight badges. Nothing could have been further from the truth. While they did produce the finest flight badges, they also produced a wide variety of items including metal helmets, uniform items, etc. When this fine firm was commissioned to produce the ringkragen, they went all out to ensure that the Kaiserin received the best, regardless of cost.
One final detail is a small piece of paper that measures 6″ x 5 1/8,” and has been folded in half. Written in black ink is the simple declaration that the item was the property of her majesty, Kaiserin Augusta Viktoria. It was pierced and held in place by the GOLD pin on the ringkragen’s reverse. I removed it for the photographs, and have returned it to the state in which I received it. While Kaiser Wilhelm II had closets of uniforms and the effects that went with them, items that are military-related for women are very rare. This is a true piece of history. We are delighted to share it with you.

Description

Today we are offering Kaiserin Auguste Viktoria’s ringkragen (gorget) as Regimental Chef of Küraßier-Regiment Königin (Pommersches) Nr 2. Kaiserin Auguste Viktoria (1858-1921) was Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany’s wife. She was born in Schleswig-Holstein. She married Kronprinz Wilhelm (later Kaiser Wilhelm II) in 1881. She bore him an heir in 1882, who was also to be a Kronprinz Wilhelm. This lad never achieved Germany’s throne, since the monarchy fell in 1918. He instead became a “Pretender,” when his father died in 1941. Auguste Viktoria gave the Kaiser a total of six sons and one daughter. She worshiped her husband and he adored her. They were very close. When Wilhelm II abdicated his throne in 1918, she joined him in exile to the Netherlands at Haus Doorn (Huis Doorn). This is where she died in 1921. Her body was returned to Germany, where it was buried at Berlin’s Neues Palais (New Palace). The Kaiser was not afforded the same privilege. When he died in 1941, he was buried at Haus Doorn, where he remains today in a special crypt on the grounds of the estate not far from where many of his beloved Dachshunds are also buried.

It was customary in Imperial Germany for certain elite regiments to be honored with a royal patron who assumed the position of its honorary oberst and Regimental Chef. The Kaiserin was the Regimental Chef of Küraßier-Regiment Königin (Pommersches) Nr 2. The regiment was founded in 1717. It was garrisoned at Pasewalk, where it was attached to the II. ArmeeKorps. This very special regiment was considered one of the leading Küraßier-Regiments. The regiment played a major role in the Battle of Hohenfriedberg, which took place on 4 June 1745. The Prussian Army was led by Frederick II himself. It faced a combined force of Austrians and Saxons in a decisive battle for Silesia (in today’s Poland). As a result of the battle, Frederick II was acknowledged as “Frederick the Great.” Also, Küraßier-Regiment Königin (Pommersches) Nr 2 was granted the right to wear a bandeau on their headdress proclaiming “Hohenfriedberg 4 Juni 1745.” This was quite an honor. Küraßier-Regiment Königin (Pommersches) Nr 2 was the Prussian Army’s only cavalry or infantry regiment to be so honored. Most headdresses that carry bandeaux come from the former Kingdom of Hannover and the Duchy of Braunschweig. Not only did Kaiserin Auguste Viktoria serve as Küraßier-Regiment Königin (Pommersches) Nr 2’s Regimental Chef, but her son, Kronprinz Wilhelm, served in that regiment as an Oberst à la Suite. (We recently sold the Kronprinz’s personal helmet from the regiment). Having a woman as the Regimental Chef presented a number of interesting “problems,” especially for a regiment like Küraßier-Regiment Königin (Pommersches) Nr 2. When a Regimental Chef rode with “his” regiment, he normally assumed the regiment’s complete uniform, including the tunic, trousers, headdress, etc. Since it was a Küraßier-Regiment, Küraßier-Regiment Königin (Pommersches) Nr 2 members naturally wore küraßes for parades. [With Küraßier-Regiment Königin (Pommersches) Nr 2, this was a gilt küraß similar to the Regiment der Garde du Corps, “the Kaiser’s Own.” Kaiser Wilhelm II was the Regiment der Garde du Corps’ Regimental Chef].

Anatomically, it was awkward for a woman to wear a küraß (breast plate). This problem was sidestepped by allowing the Kaiserin to wear only the regiment’s ringkragen. The Kaiserin also wore a tricorn hat with feathers rather than a spiked helmet when she rode with her regiment–as seen in an image of her from a painting where she is actually wearing the gorget that we offer today. Along with the küraß the regiment’s officers wore a ringkragen, a shield-like plate suspended from a chain. It was an important accessory of an officer’s dress uniform. They are quite rare. In Germany, an example from this regiment easily fetches $12,000+ when in fine condition. It is a simply amazing piece. Without a doubt, it is one of the most interesting German royalty items we have ever offered.
The ringkragen, as previously mentioned, is shaped like a shield. It measures 5 1/2″ x 5″ at its widest point. Its edge is trimmed in brass. It has a mirror-like surface of polished, silver-toned metal. In the center is a beautifully hand painted, black and gold Hohenzollern Eagle on a red background. Two to three very small stress fractures appear. I cannot tell if this is in the enamel, or if it is a glass covering that has the cracks. [I will try to highlight them as best as I can in the accompanying photographs. They are NOT detractive to the overall presentation]. The Eagle is framed with green enamel leaves on the sides. Coming from the right and left sides are what appear to be furled flags. The flags are made of silver. The tips of the banners are gold-toned. Beneath this are four crossed cannons and the date “1745.” It is just stunning. The detail is breathtaking.

The gorget’s reverse is sumptuously lined in a luxuriant, superior-quality, purple velvet. Naturally, the color indicates the wearer is a member of royalty. [No regular officer from the regiment would have his gorget lined with the same material! Instead, officer’s gorgets were lined with carmine (red) material that is vastly different from this color]. Four brass nuts with washers secure the gorget’s front portion to the reverse. The bottom sports an upward-swept clip that allows it to be attached to a garment. Most interesting of all is a horizontal pin, which measures 2 3/4.” This pin is GOLD. [In the photographs accompanying the description you will see photos of a “normal” regimental officer’s gorget. Please note the varied differences, including the horizontal pin on the Kaiserin’s version, and the difference in the backing material].

We are also including a photograph of a period oil painting showing the Kaiserin riding with her regiment. She is wearing the ringkragen. You will now understand why the horizontal pin is present on her gorget. Since she did not wear a küraß, the ringkragen is pinned to her “tunic.” The tunic is also different from what the regiment wore, since it was for a woman (and a royal one at that). She is riding a horse sidesaddle. The tunic almost appears to be more like a blouse, but it is very similar to the regiment’s tunic in overall construction and design. The chain accompanying the gorget is also quite amazing. It measures 18 1/2″ in length. It is far different from an officer’s version, as you will note from the photographs. The chain is linked and intertwined. The connecting hardware is similar to what you might see on a high-quality neck chain. Its ends are undoubtedly GOLD. I am still unsure if the chain is GOLD or brass. The chain’s backing is made of the same high quality purple velvet as is found on the ringkragen’s back. The gorget and all of its supporting materials are made of the highest quality materials. No expense was spared.

The ensemble is in sparkling condition. It comes in a fitted box that has helped preserve its condition for more than one-hundred-years. The box measures 5 3/4″ x 5 1/4.” It is made of black leatherette. The box is structurally sound, although normal wear can be seen on it. Inside, we see a pink silk liner on the upper half, and a matching, pale-rose, flocked velvet on the lower half. Pasted on the pale rose material of the box’s lower half is “C. E. Juncker, Berlin Sw., Alte Jacobstrasse 13. Militair-Effecten-Fabrik.” Many people think that C. E. Juncker produced only flight badges. Nothing could have been further from the truth. While they did produce the finest flight badges, they also produced a wide variety of items including metal helmets, uniform items, etc. When this fine firm was commissioned to produce the ringkragen, they went all out to ensure that the Kaiserin received the best, regardless of cost.

One final detail is a small piece of paper that measures 6″ x 5 1/8,” and has been folded in half. Written in black ink is the simple declaration that the item was the property of her majesty, Kaiserin Augusta Viktoria. It was pierced and held in place by the GOLD pin on the ringkragen’s reverse. I removed it for the photographs, and have returned it to the state in which I received it. While Kaiser Wilhelm II had closets of uniforms and the effects that went with them, items that are military-related for women are very rare. This is a true piece of history. We are delighted to share it with you.

Related products

MENU FOR DINNER AT BERLIN’S NEUES PALAIS 1 NOVEMBER 1911

SKU: 20-303

$195.00

This is a dinner menu for a function held at the Neues Palais (New Palace) in Potsdam. The Neues Palais was started in 1763 (European history still stuns me, when a palace built by Frederick the Great at the Seven Years War’s conclusion is referred to as “New”)! The palace was built on grounds near Sanssouci. Frederick the Great still preferred Sanssouci (due to its French influences), but considered the construction of a new palace an opportunity to demonstrate Prussia’s power and grandeur. The Neues Palais had more than two hundred rooms. When Kaiser Frederick III came to power, he spent most of his ninety-nine-day-reign within its walls. Kaiser Frederick III’s son, Kaiser Wilhelm II, also preferred the Neues Palais after he assumed Germany’s throne. The larger palace enabled Wilhelm to entertain his guests in a far more lavish and grand manner.
The menu measures 5 ½” x 8 5/8.” The event’s date(1 November 1918) appears as its first line of information. It is handwritten, as the evening’s actual bill of fare. A rather simple diagram is drawn on its back: a circle with positions noted on two opposing points. Each is identified, yet a clear reading is a bit difficult to come by. They may indicate the positions of the Kaiser and Kaiserin, or two other important dignitaries. When one envisions the plethora of dinnerware patterns Wilhelm II had at his disposal (not to mention the matching cutlery, glassware, and table decorations) and multiplies that by the multitude of guests possible for a grand event – the mind simply boggles! The identities portrayed in the diagram add to the mystery. Purchase this lovely menu and let your imagination conjure up all of its impressive possibilities.

KAISER FRIEDRICH III PHOTOGRAPH IN PATRIOTIC FRAME

SKU: 20-306

$175.00

This is a very high-quality, silver-toned, patriotic frame in the shape of an Iron Cross. The frame measures 5 3/4″ x 6 1/4.” Among the Iron Cross’s arms are laurel leaves on one side, with oak leaves and acorns on the other. An oval-shaped inset in the center measures 2″ x 2 3/4.” It allows a photograph to be displayed within the oval. A crown appears directly over the oval space’s top.
The reverse sports two means of displaying the frame. First a small easel appears, which when set in place, allows the frame to be displayed on a flat surface. An eyelet at its top means it could be hung from the wall using a nail or picture hanger. A vertical attachment is also present whereby you can insert a photograph for display. The easel device is mounted to its reverse.
The subject shown here comes from a Kaiser Friedrich III postcard. He is in a general’s uniform and wears the Orden pour le Mérite at his neck, and a large medal bar that includes numerous high-level decorations.
While this is how the frame came to us, of course you may insert most any postcard (some trimming will be necessary), other original photograph, or CdV. The frame is in very fine condition.

PATRIOTIC PIECE – FULL-COLOR GLASS – KAISER WILHELM I

SKU: 20-297

$75.00

I have examined this item for several minutes trying to categorize it for you. The best that I have come up with it is that it is a patriotic display item commemorating Germany’s first Kaiser, Wilhelm I (1797-1888). In addition to being Kaiser, he was also Prussia’s King from 1861 until his death in 1888. He assumed Prussia’s throne in 1861 when his older brother König Friedrich Wilhelm IV (1795-1861) died. Wilhelm IV was paralyzed and mentally incapacitated by a stroke in 1857. In 1858 Wilhelm I assumed the position of Regent for his older brother and remained in this position until the King’s death in 1861. He continued his brother’s policy of German unification, which was largely completed with the conclusion of the 1866 Austro-Prussian War. Through all this and for the balance of his rule until his 1888 death, his closest advisor and political ally was none other than the “Iron Chancellor,” Otto von Bismarck (1815-1898). While Wilhelm I remained King of Prussia, the other German states deferred to Prussian rule. After the 1870-1871 Franco-Prussian War’s end, he was formally recognized as Emperor of Germany, as well as King of Prussia. Wilhelm I remained the political and moral head of Germany, and was much beloved by his people. Upon his death in March 1888, he was succeeded for ninety-nine days by his son, Germany’s second Kaiser, Friedrich III. Friedrich III was in ill health and died of cancer in June 1888. The third and final Kaiser of Germany, Friedrich III’s son and Wilhelm I’s grandson was Wilhelm II. He ruled Germany from June 1888 until November 1918. As a part of the German surrender following WW I’s end, Wilhelm II agreed to exile in the Netherlands. The House of Hohenzollern, which extended back to Frederick the Great’s time, no longer ruled Germany. Returning to our offering, we have a circular piece that measures 1 1/2″ in diameter. Its gold-toned frame might be brass, or some other non magnetic material. What I believe is a glass panel is inside the frame. A full color likeness of Kaiser Wilhelm I is painted on the panel. He is wearing a full dress uniform complete with a generalfeldmarschall’s epaulettes. On the uniform we see a large medal bar with numerous decorations. He is also wearing the Goldene Kette of the Order of the Black Eagle. The Kette was a large and elaborate collar or oversized neck device. It was made of gold and placed over his neck. It hung down making a very impressive device that was the ultimate expression of being a House of Hohenzollern Prince. Princes were invested with it, and it could only be worn by a born-of-the-blood Prince on state occasions. Certain decorations from the “Black Eagle” decoration family were awarded to very favored individuals at the pleasure of the House of Hohenzollern’s head member. The Black Eagle was proximately displayed on general officers’ headdresses and was a central theme of the headdresses of officers, NCO’s, and enlisted men from the various Garde-Regiments, General Staff, etc. Also on Wilhelm I’s neck in this presentation is the Orden Pour le Mérite. This patriotic item is two-sided so the image may be seen on both sides. The image is somewhat faded and less than what it looked like when it was created more than one-hundred-years ago. Scratches and discoloration of the glass itself are evident. The entire feel is that it shows honest age. I have not seen anything quite like this. Other than being a patriotic piece, I do not know how to explain it. One might also think of it as table medal, but even that is not a correct assessment.

About Us

I'm Kenneth (Ken) J. Greenfield, currently of New Port Richey, Florida, located on the West Coast of Florida in the Tampa Bay area. I started out as a collector of Imperial German Militaria, particularly items dealing with the Imperial German Air Service in the early 1960's. After more than forty years of avid collecting, I began to sell a few items to upgrade my collection and help finance my collecting "habit." I attended militaria shows, both to buy and sell. I wanted to spend more time at home and less traveling for the national companies that I had worked for; so, starting my own business seemed like an attractive alternative. I like nothing better than talking with others about militaria, and introducing newcomers to the joys of owning a "piece of history."